A man was punched to the floor by a gang who then stole his iPhone and wallet as he lay unconscious on the floor.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was in Pondfield off Piccotts End Lane, Hemel Hempstead, when he was approached by a group of five.

They demanded money but when he said he did not have any, the man was punched to the floor.

He was robbed of his phone and wallet and had to be taken to hospital with cuts and bruises. It happened at about 5.30pm on Sunday, June 26.

Two 14-year-old boys from Hemel Hempstead have been bailed until July 28. A 23-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released.

PC Laurence Harwood, from Hemel Hempstead’s Local Crime Unit, said: “This is an unprovoked assault, which left the victim needing hospital treatment. Thankfully he was not more seriously injured and suffered cuts and bruises.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw five youths in the area around the time stated or saw a man being approached by a group of youths, to get in touch.”

Call 101, quoting crime reference D1/16/4579, if you have any information.